ZCZC
BSS-16
ANNIVERSARY-MANIK SAHA
15th death anniversary of Manik Saha observed in Khulna
KHULNA, Jan 15, 2019 (BSS) – Journalists and other socio-cultural and
political organizations in the industrial city today observed the 15th death
anniversary of eminent journalist Manik Saha with the demand for capital
punishment of his all killers to High Court.
“We did not satisfied about the verdict of Journalist Manik Saha murder
case which Khulna Speedy Trial Tribunal announced on November 30, 2016,”
speakers told a commemoration meeting held coinciding with death anniversary
of Saha, who was killed in a bomb attack on January 15, 2004 near the Khulna
Press Club (KPC).
The speakers also noted with sorrow that at least 25 newsmen, including
Humayun Kabir Balu, were killed in the region over the past two decades but
most of the masterminds and assassins still remained beyond the reach of
justice.
Saha was a senior reporter of vernacular Bangla daily Sangbad. He also
worked for the New Age, Ekushey TV and BBC radio.
Chaired by President of Khulna Press Club SM Habib, the rally was
addressed among others, by Mokbul Hossain Mintu, Sheikh Abu Hassan, Md Saheb
Ali, Mahbub Alam Sohag, Gaurango Nandi, Rokib Uddin Pannu and Shah Alam.
They earlier placed wreaths at a monument built on the KPC premises in
memory of the slain journalist.
Different organisations, including Manik Saha Smrity Parishad, ruling
Awami league, CPB, Udichi, Khulna Union of Journalists (KUJ), Swadhinata
Sangbadik Forum also paid tributes to his memory while Chhatra Union of
Khulna unit staged a candlelight vigil there.
Immediately after the murder police filed two cases, one being under
Explosives Act, accusing “anonymous killers” for the assassination and after
investigations submitted the chargesheet in the court of Chief Metropolitan
magistrate naming 13 suspects on December 12, 2008.
On November 30 in 2016, Khulna Divisional Speedy Trial Tribunal sentenced
nine outlaws of banned Biplobi (Janajuddha) and Purba Banglar Communist Party
to life-term imprisonment and acquitted two outlaws of Manik Saha killing
case.
BSS/ZH/SSS/1615 hrs